Covered multiple-strand electrical conductor and method of forming the same



May 28, 1929.

J. H. HUNTER COVERED MULTIPLE s TRAND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR AND METHOD OF' FORMING THE SAME Filed NOV. 22, 1926 Patented May 28, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH H. HUNTER, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO GENERAL CABLE CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

COVERED MULTIPLE-STRAND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR AND METHOD OIFA FORMING THE SAME.

Application led November 22,.1926. Serial No. 150,033.

The invention relates to electrical conductors of that type in `which the plurality of separate insulated Strands are enclosed in a common tubular covering such, for instance, as a braided tubular fabric. In the present state of the art it is usual to braid the tubular covering around the strands as they'are fed in parallel relation and in contact with each other such tube serv-ing to bind andpermanently hold the strands in this relation. I nasmuch, however, as the strands are of circular cross section, the enveloping tube does not closely conform to the surface of each but must bridge the space between the points of maximum diameter.

It is the object of the present invention to obtain a multiple conductor in which the strands are securely bound to each other but with the covering completely envelopin the individual strands. This I accomplis by so braiding the tube that the elements thereof after completely encircling one ofthe conductor strands, continue to completely encircle another of said strands and then back to the first.

In the drawings;

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic plan view showing the manner in which the braid is formed to completely envelope each of the conductor strands-and to tie the same together. l

Figure 2 is a perspective View showing a portion of the covered conductor.

Figure 3 is a cross section thereof.

Figures 4 and 5 are diagrammatic cross sections showing modifications.

Figure 6 is a side elevation showing another modification.

As has been stated, the usual operation of braiding machines is to form a braided tube surrounding either a single insulated wire or a group of wires. It is, however, possible to modify such machines so that instead of broading a tube circular in cross section a pair of interconnected tubes may be simultaneously formed appearing in cross section as in Figure 1. Thus, as shown in Figure 1 diagrammatically the advancement of the bobbins may be in the direction indicated by the arrows first passing around the circle 1 then around the tangent circle 2 and then crossing at 3 and again tangent to the circle l and so on continuously. vThe effect of such operation is to form two tubes each of circular cross section but interconnected at the point of tangency by interlacing strands. This is illustrated in Figure 2 in which A is one tube, B the adjacent tube and C and D separate insulated conductors which are enclosed respectively by said tubes. The connecting interlaced web will hold the conductors in tangent relation to each other but will permit a greater flexibility for drawing through conduits or otherwise placing.

If desired, the same construction may be used for connecting more than two conductors as shown in Figure 4 where three conductors are arranged in transverse alignment. Fig ure 5 shows another modification where three conductors are grouped together and are connected by the interlacing webs. Figure 6 shows two conductors having the covering such as shown in Figure 2 with the end portions enclosed in separate tubes E and F thus permitting suoli portions to be separated from each other.

One advantage of my improved construction is that the workman always knows where the separate conductors are located and thus avoids contact with anything which might injure the insulation. Another advantage is that where desired the conductors may be secured by devices passing through the interlacing web without penetrating oi' injuring the insulation.

What I claim as my invention is: d

A multiple electrical conductor comprising a plurality of separately insulated conductors and a braided covering completely encircling each of said conductors separately in a portion of the length and with an interlacing web throughout another portion of the length.

In testimony whereof I aiix my signature.

- JOSEPH H. HUNrER. 

